Summary
First World War memorial designed by Temple Lushington Moore (1856-1920), unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Description
The war memorial stands immediately to the south-east of the Church of St Mary (Grade I). It is a 4.6m high Calvary Cross built in Clipsham stone, with a two-stepped octagonal base from which rises a four-sided pedestal. The cross-shaft is octagonal in section but with a square foot. The top of the cross, rising from a simple moulded collar, is a hooded crucifix with the figure of Christ carved on the eastern face of the memorial.
The pedestal is inscribed on all sides with an upper dedicatory line carved in relief and the commemorated names below in incised lettering. On the eastern face the inscription reads PRO PATRIA. On the southern face the inscription is R.I.P. On the western face the inscription is MEMORIAM, with on the northern face 1914-1918.
The north-facing riser of the upper step of the base is inscribed 1939 – 1945, with the Second World War names inscribed on the remaining faces.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Old Leake as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The memorial was unveiled on 18 April 1920 to commemorate 50 men of the parish who had died in the First World War. It was designed by Mr Temple Lushington Moore of London, and built by the masons Messrs Nefield and Loxley of Oxford at a cost of £250-£350. It was unveiled and dedicated by Reverend JBS Simpson following a church service. Following the Second World War a further inscription was added.
Temple Lushington Moore (1856-1920) is known as one of Britain’s foremost church architects of the late-C19 and early-C20. In 1875 he was articled to George Gilbert Scott (Junior) and his career was closely associated with Scott’s practice. As well as many secular commissions Moore designed some 40 churches, establishing him as a leading figure in ecclesiastical architecture: he is important for his development of the Gothic revival, made notable by careful planning and attention to proportion. He was responsible for First World War memorials at Sledmere (the Eleanor Cross, Grade I), Coxwold (Grade II) and Skirbeck Quarter (Grade II).
Reasons for Listing
Old Leake War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* a well-proportioned Calvary cross in Clipsham stone, designed by noted architect Temple Lushington Moore (1856-1920).
Group value:
* with the Church of St Mary (Grade I) and the lychgate (Grade II).
External Links
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
Recommended Books
Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
This Old House: Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House
Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)